Seasonal Gardening Guide: What to Plant in Spring, Summer, and Fall for Optimal Growth
Gardening success doesn’t just depend on what you plant - it’s also about when you plant it. Canada’s seasons each offer unique growing conditions, and planting at the right time can make all the difference in whether your garden thrives or struggles.
That’s where this Seasonal Gardening Guide comes in. We’ll break down what to plant in spring, summer, and fall, explain why each season works, and show how Gauld Nurseries can support your gardening goals year-round, from plant selection to surviving harsh Canadian winters.
If you are looking for helpful advice on seasonal gardening, contact us. We can also help you promote your gardening products or garden centre on our website.
1. Why Seasonal Timing Matters in Gardening
Each planting season comes with its own environmental conditions: changes in daylight, soil temperature, rainfall, and frost risk all play a role in plant development.
If you time things right, you give your plants the best chance to root deeply, grow strong, and resist disease or transplant shock.
This Seasonal Gardening Guide helps you maximize those advantages, whether you’re starting a new flower bed or planning a year-round landscape.
With the right plants at the right time, your garden can be healthier, more productive, and more beautiful.
2. Spring: The Season of New Beginnings
Spring is prime time for setting the stage. As the frost lifts and the soil warms, plants are eager to wake up and stretch their roots.
Best Plants to Plant in Spring:
Perennials & Shrubs: Peony plants, hydrangeas, hostas, lavender, lilacs
Trees: Dogwood, serviceberry, flowering crabapple
Cool-Season Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, peas, broccoli, radishes
Why Spring Works:
Spring offers the perfect mix of warming soil and cool air—ideal for root development and transplant success. Ample moisture from melting snow and spring rain keeps roots hydrated, while mild sunlight encourages slow, steady growth.
Hardy perennials like peony plants benefit greatly from spring planting, as they have the full season to establish before next winter. Pest and disease pressure is also low, meaning fewer obstacles for young plants.
This is why any smart Seasonal Gardening Guide starts with a strong spring foundation—it gives your garden momentum that carries through the entire year.
3. Summer: The Season of Sun and Sustenance
Summer’s longer days and warm nights are perfect for plants that crave heat and sunshine.
Best Plants to Plant in Summer:
Flowers & Annuals: Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, black-eyed Susans
Heat-Tolerant Veggies: Tomatoes, beans, peppers, squash, cucumbers
Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, parsley
Why Summer Works:
Summer’s heat speeds up germination and growth for warm-season plants. Tomatoes and peppers love the heat, while fast-growing flowers like zinnias and marigolds will bloom quickly when planted early in the season.
Soil is consistently warm, which encourages rapid root establishment. Just be sure to water deeply and plant during cooler morning or evening hours to reduce stress.
We recommend using summer as your opportunity to extend your bloom time, fill garden gaps, and boost your kitchen with fresh herbs and veggies.
4. Fall: The Secret Planting Season
Fall might just be the best-kept secret in Canadian gardening. Don’t pack up your trowel just yet!
Best Plants to Plant in Fall:
Perennials & Grasses: Peony plants, coral bells, ornamental grasses
Trees & Shrubs: Oak, yew, boxwood, viburnum
Bulbs for Spring: Tulips, daffodils, crocus, alliums
Soil Builders: Clover, ryegrass, cover crops
Why Fall Works:
As the heat fades, fall offers cooler air but warm, workable soil—a perfect combo for root growth. Plants planted now focus on establishing below ground rather than top growth, giving them a head start next spring.
Fewer pests, reduced weed competition, and consistent rainfall mean less stress and maintenance. It’s also the ideal time to plant bare-root peony plants, divide mature perennials, and get bulbs in the ground before the frost.
Fall is therefore the perfect time for laying the groundwork for future success, not just wrapping up the season.
5. Gardening in Canadian Winters
Canadian winters can be harsh, but they don’t have to spell the end of your gardening season. With a little foresight, you can protect your plants, plan ahead, and even enjoy some winter beauty in your yard.
Here are some key tips for navigating the off-season:
Mulch your beds: A layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, protect plant roots from freeze-thaw cycles, and retain moisture over the winter months.
Wrap vulnerable shrubs and trees: Use burlap or plant covers to protect evergreens, young trees, and sensitive shrubs from winter wind and salt spray.
Water before the ground freezes: Give your plants a deep watering in late fall to help them go into dormancy hydrated, especially evergreens that continue to lose moisture in winter.
Avoid late pruning: Pruning too late in the season can stimulate new growth that won’t survive the cold. Instead, prune in late winter or early spring, depending on the plant.
Clean and store your tools: Before the snow flies, clean off garden tools, drain hoses, and store everything in a dry place to prevent rust and wear.
Add winter-interest plants: Consider planting red twig dogwoods, ornamental grasses, or evergreen shrubs for colour and texture that lasts through the coldest months.
Start planning for spring: Winter is a great time to review your seasonal gardening goals, research plant varieties, and sketch out next year’s layout.
By preparing your garden for winter, you ensure your plants are better equipped to survive and come back even stronger in spring. Plus, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of a well-kept space—even when it's covered in snow.
6. Why Choose Gauld Nurseries Year-Round
Since 1950, Gauld Nurseries has been Niagara’s trusted partner in seasonal gardening. As a family-run business located within the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, Gauld offers an unmatched garden centre experience rooted in local expertise and premium plant selection.
Here’s what you’ll find at Gauld:
Locally grown plants that thrive in Canadian soil and climate
A wide seasonal selection: from spring perennials to fall bulbs
Knowledgeable, friendly staff offering personalized advice
Winter prep tips to keep your garden healthy and resilient
No matter what time of year you visit, Gauld Nurseries is your one-stop resource for plants, tools, and trusted advice that matches every stage of the Seasonal Gardening Guide.
Plan Your Planting Season with Confidence
Gardening is a year-round journey, and every season offers a new opportunity to grow.
Whether you're sowing lettuce in spring, transplanting tomatoes in summer, or planting peony plants and tulip bulbs in the fall, this Seasonal Gardening Guide and the team at Gauld Nurseries will help you plant smarter and grow better.
Join a growing community of gardening enthusiasts, swap growing tips, troubleshoot common issues, and get inspired to make every season gardening season.